HC Deb 16 February 1966 vol 724 cc250-1W
87. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish milk boards concerning the increasing rents of tenant dairy farmers; and what action he proposes to take to curb the exploitation of these farmers.

Mr. Ross

The boards, in recent talks with my officials on the general state of the dairy industry, mentioned among other matters a reference in their recently published booklet to increases averaging 68 per cent. in some dairy farm rents during the year ended May, 1965. The boards recognise elsewhere in the booklet that this is part of a "backlog" of rent increases. Rents are freely negotiated between landlords and new tenants. If dispute arises over revision of rent in the case of sitting tenants the matter is resolved in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1949.